The Growth of Abnormal Cells in an Individuals Body - Research Paper Example

Cancer Research and Funding Introduction Cancer, the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in an individual’s body and in certain instances referred to as malignant cells, has become of the greatest concerns in the current global society. Unlike previously when HIV Aids was the greatest feared condition, cancer has changed dynamics and has become today’s greatest fear among many individuals. Cancer has the ability to spread fast to almost all parts of the body through the lymphatic system and the blood stream, which are its main transport channels (Langwith 94). Considering the severity of cancer’s condition, with which it kills its victims, many organizations have ventured into research to address various aspects pertaining to how it can be controlled. For the past one hundred years, the American Cancer Society has been at the forefront in addressing different issues pertaining to cancer, most especially, on how it can be transformed from being deadly to preventable. Based on this perspective, this paper analyzes the different aspects of cancer with regard to its research and funding. Cancer has very diverse, complex, and least understood causes, and in the current situations in which lifestyles have changed significantly, more causes have actually been attributed to the changed lifestyles among many (Patlak and Sharyl 147). There are a number of elements considered to cause cancer including dietary factors, tobacco, environmental factors, exposure to certain elements such as radiation, and obesity among others. All these cause severe damage to cells in certain instances or even result into mutation of cells to cause cancer in other instances. Because a majority of cancer causes are elements that people interact with on choice, has is indeed preventable. This has been one of the reasons for which research has been established to address the different aspects on the causes and prevention of cancer. Some of the preventive measures against cancer include increased intake of fruits and vegetables in addition to whole grains, less consumption of refined foods, constant exercising, and little radiation exposure (Langwith 108). Initially, cancer was considered as a condition for the rich but the current trend in which it knows no boundaries has raised concerns and increased the calls for research. The major areas that the research seeks to address include preventive measures and treatment procedures for those already affected. Considering the complexity of cancer in how it occurs, calls for detailed research in order to reach an all-inclusive conclusion that provides appropriate solutions towards the mitigation of cancer globally. Several organizations are undertaking research on cancer in various countries. Based on the perspective that cancer is a very complex condition and occurs in different types, numerous research centers have been established to conduct research into details and come up with resolutions, which are then compared among the different institutions before a conclusive report is reached (Langwith 139). One of the fundamental goals by the cancer research centers is for the development, implementation, and promotion of appropriate and operational policies that would enhance the prevention and control of cancer. Additionally, substantive research has been initiated into cancer because cancer comprises a class of many diseases and therefore, it is definite that no single treatment would have the ability of eradicating cancer (Patlak and Sharyl 251). Despite previous theories pointing towards the use of angiogenesis inhibitors as a breakthrough in the treatment of different types of cancer, practical application of the angiogenesis inhibitors have provided contrary results, although it is however, projected that the inhibitors could still be used in in combination with other therapeutic substances in the reduction of cancer morbidity and mortality. An ideal cancer research focuses of certain aspects of cancer, which contribute significantly towards the initiation of abnormal cell growth and the processes it undergoes within the body. These aspects include the agents, enhancing the genetic changes once the mutation of cells has occurred, the specific nature of the genetic changes, and the exact consequences that the genetic changes would have on the cells and the entire organism. This is a broad area of research and requires adequate funding to be conducted effectively. On the aspect of funding, different organizations operate differently with some funding their own research processes whereas others depending on other financial institutions for financial assistances. Cancer Research Funding Cancer Research UK is currently the largest cancer research centers outside of the United States, fully engaged in cancer research for the different types of cancers. Cancer Research UK has two major goals that it seeks to accomplish in the fight against cancer and its effects on humans(Illman 714). First, is the development of the anti-cancer drugs, where it is currently the European leader. Because the organization is able to fund its own research projects at various different levels of research, it has broadened its research prospects covering different aspects of the disease from the cause, prevention, and treatment. In additional to the research aspects, the organization also offers additional services such as education and psychological assistances on cancer patients (Brown 130). Through this, Cancer Research is able to produce high quality information for all the concerned individuals such as patients, professionals, and the public. World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) is another research institution involved in cancer research. One outstanding difference between this particular institution and other cancer research institutions is that WCRF is mainly involved in the funding the preventive aspect of cancer research (Illman 713). In this perspective, the organization funds for research involving preventive measures against cancer and assists in the interpretation of information obtained to the public on measures they need to take in prevention of cancer. WCRF funds for cancer research projects within both the United Kingdom as well as other outside countries such as France and India (Jenks 1188). The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is the organization mandated with the role of determining the budgetary allocations appropriate for various cancer research projects involving the causes, prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment (Illman 713). Being a federal agency, NCI is able to receive funds from congress after approvals, which are then used both at the local research Centers in the United States as in the other countries. The institute is also mandated through the National Cancer Act of 1971, to prepare and submit any additional budgetary provisions for review and submission to the congress, which then approves and provides the funds (NCI 278). As already indicated earlier, cancer research entails many different issues due to many cancer types in existence. One fundamental aspect of concern in the research process is not based either on the latest of the researches done or on who does it, but instead on the resolution the collective researches indicate. This makes the research process a very crucial part in the fight against cancer. Regardless of the processes involved, understanding of cancer remains one of the greatest miseries and complex issues for both the research professionals and the public (Patlak and Sharyl 216). This is usually based on the on the question of whether the activity levels that individuals engage in or the kinds of foods that people eat really matter in addressing the risk of cancer. One resolution over the issue is a puzzle, making research a very important aspect in addressing the different issues pertaining to cancer and finding amicable solutions. Cancer Research Process After sufficient resources needed to conduct a research project are availed, cancer research process starts. Previously, there has been a clue of cancer having roots in the differential and changing lifestyles among various individuals. Despite such information, cancer remains a complex issue that requires many different study types that would then be assembled into a single conclusive statement (Patlak and Sharyl 164). Some of the studies conducted during the cancer research process include epidemiological studies, which is a type of study involving the observation of a selected group of individuals for a certain period. Observation is done by monitoring the different characteristics among the select group by determining the relationship between the characteristics. Epidemiological studies are conducted in close association with laboratory studies, which involve scientists making some slight adjustments in certain animal species and cells, and make a comparison with other existing results (Brown 127). Controlled trials is another type of process conducted during the cancer research process. Like laboratory stories, controlled trials involve scientists making certain changes in the participant specimen and observing the various changes that undergo in these organisms (Brown 128). These may include dietary changes, lifestyles challenges that scientists believe play substantive roles in both causing cancer as well as those that show significant signs in cancer prevention (Jenks 1189). Once all the trials and studies are successfully completed then all the obtained results and evidence obtained are put together in a scientific way known as meta-analysis. This involves combination of all the findings from the different studies using different statistical methods in establishing the links between them as well as detecting the effect of each study on cancer. The most ideal of the studies that show substantively positive results in reduction of cancer occurrence is then selected for further research studies, involving finer details and complex studies. Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident that despite the strides made in research towards providing lasting solutions for mitigation of cancer, there is still a lot that needs to be done in the fight against cancer through research and sufficient funding, which remain the most important aspects of consideration in addressing the cancer menace, which has become a global threat. It is however, of substantively important for the public to take the necessary precautions in preventing the risk associated with cancer as a means of enhancing the mitigation chances. Works Cited Brown, Hannah. "Cancer research funding in USA." Molecular Oncology 1.2 (2007): 128-130. Print. Illman, J.. "Cancer Research Funding in Europe Low Compared With U.S., Survey Finds." JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute 97.10 (2005): 713-714. Print. Jenks, S.. "Cancer Research Funding Now Has Many Financial Players." JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute 91.14 (1999): 1187-1189. Print. Langwith, Jacqueline. Cancer. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Print. NCI, Cancer research funding. Bethesda, Md.: National Cancer Institute, 2006. Print. Patlak, Margie, and Sharyl J. Nass. The national cancer policy summit opportunities and challenges in cancer research and care. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2011. Print. Read More